How to Landscape With Wax Myrtle

Whether you refer to them as wax myrtles, Southern bayberries or candleberries, Myrica species trees and shrubs offer aesthetically pleasing characteristics to the home landscape. Glossy green leaves provide visual interest, as do wax-covered grayish berries. As its name suggests, the tree is known for its wax, which is traditionally harvested from the tree and made into aromatic bayberry candles. Whether or not you choose to make use of your tree's wax, those seeking low-maintenance privacy plants will find a friend in the wax myrtle.

1

Grow wax myrtles in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6a to 11 for best growth.

2

Plant wax myrtles in areas that offer full sun to partial shade for best development.

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Plant wax myrtle on its own in your garden if you prefer to grow it as an ornamental tree. Place it near a patio for shade and fragrance.

5

Create screens by growing your wax myrtles in rows. Space plants out with enough room for their wide growth, which reaches 15 to 20 feet if you let them grow without much training.

6

Plant trees closer together if you plan on creating dense, tailored hedges, but keep their width in mind. Lightly prune your wax myrtles with pruning shears at least once every three months to maintain tidy hedges which can be kept to 8 to 12 feet.

7

Inspect your wax myrtles regularly for potential problems, such as pests and disease, in order to maintain a healthy landscape. Search for tiny white flies called whiteflies or small bumps known as scales. Observe leaves for a black fungal growth called sooty mold which confirms the presence of either whiteflies or scales.

8

Release natural enemies, such as lacewings, onto your wax myrtles as a control method if a pest infestation occurs.

About the Author

Tarah Damask's writing career began in 2003 and includes experience as a fashion writer/editor for Neiman Marcus, short fiction publications in "North Texas Review," a self-published novel, band biographies, charter school curriculum and articles for various websites. Damask holds a Master of Arts in English and creative writing from the University of North Texas.